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Amazon.com: How did you begin writing? Did you intend to become an author, or do you have a specific reason or reasons for writing each book? K.A.: Very slowly! I started by writing commercial magazine fiction after winning a women's magazine short story competion in the 80's. Eventually I got round to writing 'Behind the Scenes', my ambition was just to finish it before I died so I'm doing quite well by my own timetable! I'm about to embark on a third novel after finishing a play for an Edinburgh theatre and a short film for the BBC, and then I have a fourt-part tv drama to do so I can't complain that I'm not kept busy. Too busy. Amazon.com: What authors do you like to read? What book or books have had a strong influence on you or your writing? K.A.: Mostly I like American literature, I think 'Huckleberry Finn' and 'The Great Gatsby' are two of the finest novels in the world. I like to read Anne Tyler, Alice Hoffman,Tama Janowitz and I'm currently reading 'Cold Mountain' which is wonderful. As far as influences go - I did my PhD on the American Short Story, with particular reference to the 'postmodernists' of the sixties, writers like Barthelme, Barth, Sukenick, Katz and Coover and I think the writing of Barthelme and Coover in particular has been influential to some degree, I like their joy in launguage, the humor and playfulness as well as the emotional content. I also like Jane Austen very much but my favorite book is Vonnegut's 'Slaughterhouse 5' because I think it presents the perfect balance of structure and feeling. Amazon.com: Could you describe the mundane details of writing: How many hours a day do you devote to writing? Do you write a draft on paper or at a keyboard (typewriter or computer)? Do you have a favorite location or time of day (or night) for writing? What do you do to avoid--or seek!--distractions? K.A.: I write best in the morning, I think that's something to do with age and I write directly on to screen. I love word processors. I'm a trained touch typist so it's really nice to have a Pentium 150 that keeps up with my speeds. When I'm writing, especially if it's something long, then I try to keep my daily life as dull and boring as possible. So much for the glamorous life! I even wear the same old clothes and try not to go out of the house. Unfortunately it's the only way I can focus. Amazon.com: Do you meet your readers at book signings, conventions, or similar events? Do you interact with your readers electronically through e-mail or other online forums? K.A.: Yes, I meet readers at book events - readings, signings - it's a very nice way of getting feedback because they're always so pleasant. I've just come back from a mini American tour where I met lots of new readers which was fun. Amazon.com: When and how did you get started on the Net? Do you read any newsgroups such as rec.arts.books and rec.arts.sf.written, mailing lists, or other on-line forums? Do you use the Net for research--or is it just another time sink? Are you able to communicate with other writers or people you work with over the Net? K.A.: "Time sink" - I like that expression, if it means what I think it does, ie a waste of time! I've only recently taken the plunge into the Net and spend a lot of time visiting ridiculous sites. Maybe one day I'll get the hang of doing serious research on it! |
